Costume Shop Coordinator

University of Redlands•Redlands, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Costume Shop Coordinator oversees the daily operation of the Theatre Arts Costume Shop and coordinates all costume construction, alteration, maintenance, and inventory functions in support of departmental productions. Working collaboratively with the Director of Production, Technical Director, faculty, guest artists, and student designers, this position ensures the timely execution of costume designs while maintaining a safe, organized, and educational shop environment. The Costume Shop Coordinator supervises student employees and provides instruction in costume construction techniques, garment care, and costume shop operations. The position is responsible for planning workflow, maintaining costume inventory and equipment, coordinating costume fittings, and supporting all costume-related production activities throughout the academic year. This is a nine-month position (September through May). Evening and weekend hours are required during technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and production performances as needed. Individuals qualified to serve as costume designer may have opportunities to design productions for additional compensation.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Additional coursework or technical training in costume construction, theatrical costuming, apparel design, garment construction, pattern drafting, tailoring, or a closely related field is required.
Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in theatrical costume construction, costume shop operations, or a closely related environment.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts, Costume Design, Apparel Design, Fashion Design, or a related discipline.
Experience working in a collegiate or educational theatre environment.
Experience supervising or mentoring student employees or volunteers.
Costume design experience for theatrical productions.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and oversee all costume construction activities for Theatre Arts productions in accordance with approved costume designs.
Draft patterns, drape garments, cut fabrics, construct costumes, alter existing garments, and perform advanced sewing and finishing techniques.
Execute specialized costume crafts including fabric dyeing, embroidery, millinery, fabric painting, mask construction, jewelry modification, and related costume accessories.
Coordinate costume fittings with designers and performers; make alterations and complete fitting notes to ensure proper garment fit and functionality.
Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as required to address costume adjustments and production needs.
Supervise costume maintenance during production runs, including laundering, repairs, organization, and preparation for return to stock.
Maintain and organize the costume shop, costume inventory, fabrics, tools, equipment, and supplies.
Monitor inventory levels and coordinate the purchase or replacement of costume materials and shop supplies.
Maintain costume shop equipment and coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance as needed.
Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, evaluate, and, when appropriate, recommend corrective action or separation of student employees in accordance with University policies.
Provide instruction and mentorship to student employees in costume construction techniques, safe equipment operation, garment care, and shop procedures.
Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, technical staff, and production personnel to ensure costume needs are completed according to production schedules.
Promote and maintain a safe working environment by following all University safety procedures and theatre shop best practices.
Maintain appropriate records related to costume inventory, equipment, supplies, and student work assignments.
Protect confidential information and exercise sound professional judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities.